A 25-YEAR-OLD Brit is facing time behind bars in Thailand after he was caught with £68,000 worth of cocaine in his hotel room.
Thai narcotics officers allegedly found the tourist harbouring more than a kilogram of cocaine in a sting operation that left him in cuffs.
The specialised officers traced a suspicious package sent to the Thai capital, Bangkok, by international mail.
Authorities say the suspect had arranged for the cocaine to be delivered to a luxury apartment complex in the heart of the party region.
Apartment complex staff refused to sign for the suspicious package because of an incomplete address.
The Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) were urged to step in and they later poised a sting operation that lead to the British man’s arrest.
When the tourist arrived to claim his “cocaine” parcel, undercover officers immediately moved in and apprehended him.
The suspect cannot legally be named at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Cops said they also searched the 25-year-old’s room where they exposed an additional quantity of cannabis.
A local police lieutenant believes the Brit may have been involved in a wider drug trafficking network.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Lekathikan, Secretary-General of the ONCB, said: “Right now, our officers are conducting an in-depth investigation into this drug trafficking network involving foreign nationals.
“For this reason, we are not able to disclose the suspect’s personal information or further details at this stage.
“Anyone else connected to him, who has been involved in the smuggling network, should be fearful. We are closing in on them.”
The recovered drugs are believed to have been intended for boozed-up expats and tourists partying in Bangkok’s clubs and bars.
In an additional statement the ONCB said: “This cocaine seizure demonstrates the efforts of transnational networks to import club drugs, which are highly potent and popular in entertainment venues, into the country.
“These drugs include ecstasy, happy water, ketamine, Five-Five, and even laughing gas. All of these are illegal and deadly.
“All agencies have been instructed to strictly monitor and suppress these drugs to protect our society and youth from all forms of drug threats.”
The unnamed tourist has been charged with importing category two narcotics with intent to sell.
Under strict Thai drug laws offenders can face decades in jail; depending on the quantity some are imprisoned for life.
This comes amid reports a baby-faced Brit could be facing the death penalty in Thailand.
The 23-year-old has been charged with attempting to take 9.15kg of meth out of Bangkok airport.
George Wilson allegedly concealed the methamphetamine in packs of Chinese tea.
The Brit is thought to belong to the family of a multimillionaire with links to the heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
He attended one of the most expensive boarding schools in the country costing £70,000 per academic year.
